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Political
Formations >> F.T.A.
Political
Formations of the
Post-Commonwealth Era
FREE
TRADE ALLIANCE
The
Free Trade Alliance is a loosely allied group of merchants
and traders dedicated to the free flow of goods and information.
Whether this presence represents the return of civilization
or a new form of economic exploitation depends on one's
perspective. The FTA is strongest in more economically developed
regions, and maintains bases, outposts, and trading concessions
throughout the known worlds-- with the exception of the
Greater Magellanic Cloud, where the socialistic Kalderans
fiercely oppose the FTA's brand of hypercapitalism. Rather
than maintain its own standing army and argosy, the FTA
instead uses member dues to buy military muscle on an ad
hoc basis, at various times contracting with local governments,
unaffiliated privateers, and mercenary groups such as the
Ogami Sisterhood to do its bidding. The FTA's technological
know how, deep pockets, and long reach will continue to
make it a major force in political affairs throughout the
known worlds for the forseeable future.
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